Working ON Your Business & Setting Your Vision

Introduction

You've built a plumbing business that generates income, but if every job, decision, and client interaction revolves solely around you, then what you've created is not a business—it's a stressful series of daily tasks. To truly grow your plumbing contracting business, you need to shift from working IN your business, where you’re handling the pipes and installations, to working ON your business, where you focus on systems and strategic growth. This requires setting a clear vision and establishing core values that allow your team to function independently.

The Shift: From Technician to Leadership

When you’re working IN the business, you’re the primary plumber—fixing leaks, installing appliances, or managing emergency calls. In contrast, working ON the business involves crafting the strategies and processes that keep the plumbing operation running smoothly without your direct involvement. It’s essential to step back from daily tasks and begin to construct a self-sufficient team.

Defining Your Vision and Core Values

As you take a step back, you risk the chance that your team could flounder without your direct guidance. To prevent this, you need to establish a clear Vision (the future direction of your plumbing business) and Core Values (the guidelines for your team’s operations). These aren’t just feel-good statements; they are the principles that shape hiring, firing, and daily decision-making in your plumbing contracting business. For instance, if one of your core values is 'Customer Satisfaction First,' your crew understands that they are empowered to make decisions in the field that prioritize resolving client issues.

Real-World Example

Take the case of a plumbing contractor who insists on inspecting every residential project personally. This hands-on approach leaves them overwhelmed and limits their ability to take on new jobs. By beginning to work ON the business, they establish a core value of 'Quality Assurance,' create an SOP for final inspections, and hire a foreman to take over these responsibilities. This shift allows the owner to focus on expanding the customer base and securing larger commercial contracts.

Summary

Transitioning from working IN your plumbing business to working ON it is essential for growth. By clarifying your vision and setting core values, you not only empower your team but also free yourself to focus on developing strategies that will help your business thrive in the competitive plumbing industry.